In case you missed the article in The Oxford Leader this week!
Understanding the August 4 Operating Millage: Protecting the Layers That Support Students
People often think of schools as classrooms, teachers, and textbooks, and rightly so. Classroom instruction is at the heart of what we do every day for students.
But anyone who has raised a child, coached a team, driven a bus route, volunteered at a school event, or worked in education knows that successful schools are made up of many layers of support. A helpful way to think about school funding is through the metaphor of an onion. At the center is classroom instruction, the core purpose of our schools. Surrounding that core are many important layers that help students learn, grow, stay safe, and prepare for life.
On August 4, Oxford voters will decide on the district’s Operating Millage renewal. I want to take a moment to explain, in plain terms, what this means and why it matters.
First, an operating millage is not a bond for new buildings or construction projects. It is the funding schools use for day-to-day operations. It is levied on non-homestead properties and does not increase taxes for homeowners on a primary residence. These funds support the ongoing programs and services students use every single day including things like:
• Transportation and bus routes
• Classroom resources and technology
• Academic programs and electives
• Athletics and extracurricular activities
• Paraprofessionals and student support staff
• Teachers and classroom staffing
• Safety and operational services
• Utilities, maintenance, and daily operations
Simply put, operating millage funding helps keep schools running.
If this operating millage is not approved, Oxford Community Schools would face approximately $7 million in cuts every year. Those reductions would not come from one single place. Instead, the district would have to begin peeling away layers of support that families and students currently rely on. Eventually, what remains is the most basic level of instruction, without many of the programs, opportunities, and supports that help students thrive.
As superintendent, I also understand that taxpayers expect schools to be responsible stewards of public dollars. That expectation is fair and important. Families across our community are managing rising costs, balancing budgets, and making difficult financial decisions. Our district works to do the same every day.
This vote is about maintaining the programs and services our students currently have. It is about preserving educational opportunities, protecting student supports, and maintaining the quality of education our community expects from its schools.
Strong schools help sustain strong communities. They support local families, strengthen property values, prepare future workers and citizens, and contribute to the long-term vitality of our community.
I encourage every eligible voter to become informed and participate in the election on August 4.
For additional information, please visit oxfordschools.org/millage.